Wolves bite back to take a point as United falter once more!
Newcastle United 1-1 Wolves
Newcastle finished this one with only the one point and two serious looking injuries to vital players as Bruce's men shot themselves in the foot and drop two critical points in a game they should have won.
Players and manager alike suggested that the team had no idea who was supposed to be marking who when Ruben Neves headed home a Neto cross. Neves seemingly allowed the freedom of St James Park to pick his spot and equalise with 73 minutes on the clock.
And it really was two points thrown away, as whilst Newcastle were clearly missing someone who could score a goal up front, when captain Lascelles headed in on 52 minutes the Magpies were fully deserving of their lead. Indeed for 30 minutes Newcastle were so dominant they looked almost unrecognisable.
But huge injuries to first Miggy Almiron, who would not appear after half time, and then what looks serious injury for ASM who went off holding his groin, will only make the job of scrapping their way to safety all the harder for United.
The fact Joelinton missed a glorious chance to win it for Newcastle with just 5 minutes remaining could have been even more costly, as but for an unbelievable save from the returning Dubravka in injury time it would have been even worse.
As had been reported during the week, the big change in the starting line up for Newcastle United would be the return of Martin Dubravka. Dubravka making his first start in the league since last season. There would also be a start for Joelinton up front as the Newcastle management team desperately attempted to solve the problems that was the continued absence of Callum Wilson.
For full team news and key match stats see the Match FACTFILE at the foot of this page.
And United made a great start to the game. First Hayden heading at the keeper inside the first 10 minutes before Miggy would burst clear of the defence and shoot around the keeper only to see his effort come crashing back off the foot of the post.
Krafth would then try one from distance, again straight at the keeper, before Joelinton, again from distance, would smash a fierce drive straight at the Wolves keeper once more.
Next Newcastle would get the ball in the net, only to be adjudged offside. Saint-Maximin finishing a move he brilliantly started, before a Willock shot was saved into the path of the Frenchman who's finish was clearly offside.
Saint-Maximin, on fire, would then blaze over after making a chance for himself.
Wolves would be better as the first half wore on, but anything they would throw at Dubravka would be well shepherded.
Into the second half and Newcastle would get the goal they deserved. ASM again outstanding, would find Fraser who's excellent cross would be nodded in by Captain Lascelles who had stayed up for a corner.
Shelvey would then fire over from a well worked free kick.
But just as United looked like they may go on and gain a massive three points another disaster. Miggy Almiron had already had to be removed at half time with an injury. So when ASM went down with what looked like a serious injury just after the hour mark.
The changes disrupted Newcastle from front to back. Instructions not passed on when Murphy entered the fray caused confusion that would ultimately lead to Neves heading home an equaliser with no one picking him up.
And there would almost be later drama.
Joelinton would first get a glorious chance to win it, only to see his shot cleared off the line with the keeper beaten.
And then in injury time only a worldie of a Dubravka save from point blank range would stop Newcastle throwing away all three points.
A huge chance missed, and an extremely worrying list of injuries. Tonight might be the night that tips Newcastle into relegation certainties.
Match FACTFILE
